Koike: Games Spectators Depend On Govt. Limits
Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko says that while experts' opinions are important, the limit on spectators at Olympic and Paralympic events will be decided according to the restrictions set by the central government.
Experts including Omi Shigeru, who is the head of the government's coronavirus advisory panel, submitted on Friday their opinions on the risk of the spread of the coronavirus during the Games to the organizing committee and the central government.
They said it is desirable to hold the events without spectators. They recommended that if spectators are allowed at the Games' venues, more rigorous restrictions should be applied than those currently in place for large-scale events.
Koike told a news conference that it is necessary to listen to experts. The governor said that while taking such opinions into account, the metropolitan government will steadily advance preparations for a safe and secure Olympics and Paralympics in cooperation with the central government and the organizing committee.
She said spectator limits will be decided according to the restrictions on the number of attendees at major events set by the central government.
Koike also said flexibility will be necessary if there is a change in the situation, such as a rapid spread of the virus.